They're Where We Get Vanilla

They're Where We Get Vanilla

This bottle of vanilla extract that you pour into your favorite sweet treat recipes comes from the orchid Vanilla planifolia. It's the only orchid that produces an edible fruit (yep, vanilla is fruit!).

They're Where We Get Vanilla

This bottle of vanilla extract that you pour into your favorite sweet treat recipes comes from the orchid Vanilla planifolia. It's the only orchid that produces an edible fruit (yep, vanilla is fruit!).

They Know How to Trick Insects

Orchids know just how to get insects to pollenate. Certain types, like this (really adorable) bee orchid, closely resemble insects, which tricks the bugs into coming close. To be blunt, the insect might try to mate with the flower, and will take the pollen when it finally wises up and flies away.